by Donna Raider
Mika went to her knees in front of Leah, slipping off her snow boots and putting on her skates, as if she had been doing it all her life. She laced them up then sat down beside Leah to put on her own skates.
“I rather like having you around, Priest,” Leah teased. “Especially the part where you dropped to your knees.”
“Good.” She smiled. “Because I plan on being around for a very long time…like, say for all eternity.”
Leah shot Mika the strangest look she couldn’t fathom.
“Just teasing,” Mika said, pulling Leah to her feet.
She put her arm around Leah, allowing her hand to rest on the brunette’s tiny waist. Leah was an incredible skater. She was extremely responsive, anticipating Mika’s every move. Someone turned on the park’s public sound system, and “When a Woman Loves a Woman” blared across the skating rink. Somewhere in the back of her mind Mika recalled that a couple named Underhill and Martini had won world skating titles while skating to the song.
“You want to do this, Leah?”
“Yes,” she whispered as Mika moved her across the ice.
They skated like no one in the town had ever seen. It was truly poetry in motion. They were oblivious to the onlookers, feeling only each other’s bodies. Mika lifted Leah over her head, sliding her down her back and pulling her up from between her legs until Leah was pressed hard against her breast. The two of them held each other tightly, skating as one. She effortlessly lifted Leah high over her head, dropped, and then caught her inches before impact with the ice. She twirled Leah then pulled Leah against her, spinning her around, so Mika was behind her. Mika’s hands spread sensually over Leah’s stomach and lower abdomen. Her powerful muscles ground into Leah’s hips as she pushed hard against her to pick up the speed to take them into their final maneuver. As the song ended, they discovered they were looking into each other’s eyes. Leah’s hands were on Mika’s hips, pulling her into her while Mika held Leah tightly against her, one hand spread across her hips and one hand on the small of her back.
Thundering applause exploded from the crowd that had gathered around the skating rink. Ruth let out a howl that was surely heard in the next state. Everyone flooded onto the ice, exclaiming the mayor and priest were incredible skaters.
Richie stared, his mouth gaping open as his mother and Mika skated toward him. “Oh my gosh, Mom,” he whispered in awe, “you are an awesome skater. I didn’t know you could do that.”
“Does everything you two do have to scream sex?” Emily growled in Leah’s ear.
“I am afraid so, dear.” Leah smiled slightly, still a little shaken by the remarkable exhibition she and Mika had just performed. From where did that come? I’m a good skater, but not that good, she thought.
“Oh my God. I mean, oh my God,” Ruth panted. “You two are so…so…so hot,” she blurted out. “You have to skate that in the competition at the Festival.”
Emily mumbled something about taking a cold shower and hurried away.
Despite the frigid weather, Delilah was fanning herself as if her hair were on fire, and Samson was drooling down the front of his jacket.
Richie pulled Mika and his mother off to the side. “Can you teach me to do that?” He grinned, thinking how his classmate Mary would feel in his arms.
Mika suppressed a laugh and said, “Your partner is fifty percent of the show. Do you have a partner in mind?”
“You and I will talk later.” Richie wiggled his eyebrows at the priest and skated off to join his friends on the ice.
At the bench, Mika knelt to remove Leah’s skates as she studied her carefully. She had always considered Mika strong, but her strength was incredible. The way she had kept them both moving while running her hands firmly all over Leah’s body. Leah felt as if Mika had just made love to her on the ice in front of the entire town. A burning desire swept through her. She had to close her eyes to stop the world from spinning.
“That was incredible,” she breathed at last. “Simply incredible.”
Mika overcame the strongest urge to bend down and kiss her. “I better go practice with Richie,” she said hoarsely. “Do you want to watch, or do you have other things to do?”
“Watch,” Leah whispered, not trusting her legs to hold her.
##
“Can you teach me to skate like that?” Richie grinned as they skated a cool-down routine after their practice.
“You will need a good partner,” Mika reminded him. “Your mother is extraordinary.”
Richie looked at the priest. “Everyone in the crowd said it looked like you and Mom were making love on the ice.”
“Good skaters also have to be good actors,” Mika explained. “You know we were skating to a love song, right?”
“Oh, yeah.” A light seemed to come on in the boy’s head. “Of course.”
“So, I never knew you could skate like that.” Emily joined Leah on the bench. “Knew you could dance awesomely, but not skate. You guys must practice two or three times a day.”
“No,” answered the mayor. “That is the first time we have ever skated together.”
“Get out of here,” Emily huffed. She studied the mayor carefully. “You are dying for her, aren’t you?” she whispered in Leah’s ear. “How long has it been? No one since me, right? Over a year. If you need someone to help, you take the edge off—”
“Get the hell away from me, Emily,” Leah growled, her dark eyes glowering.
“For Christ’s sake, Leah, she’s a priest.” The sheriff clenched her teeth. “A gorgeous hunk of a woman, but still a priest!”
Mika made a concentrated effort to spray the sheriff with as much ice as possible while Richie spewed a small amount onto his brunette Mother.
“Get your snow boots on, kid. We have to get ready for the Christmas party tonight.” Emily frowned at her son.
Richie caught Leah’s hand. “You’ll be there, won’t you, Mom? You and Mika.”
“Of course, dear.” She smiled sweetly at her son.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Mika grinned. “It will be my first Christmas party in this town.”
Richie looked back at them longingly as he and Emily walked away.
“How about a cup of hot chocolate?” Mika rubbed her hands together. “Skating with you made my blood boil, but I am beginning to cool down now.”
Mika had settled into a comfortable relationship with Leah and didn’t hesitate to let her know when she affected her erotically.
Over the hot chocolate they made plans for the Christmas party, then she walked Leah home.
##
Leah had insisted on driving her car to the party, as it was getting colder, and she didn’t want Mika walking her home and then walking back to the rectory. In her heart, she hoped Mika would spend the night with her. Mika wanted to do anything that would extend their time together.
The Christmas party was in full swing when Mika walked into the diner, her eyes searching for Leah. Ruth watched her eyes light up as she located the mayor. Mika nodded to Leah then made her way to their booth in the back, leaving Leah to visit with the townspeople gathered around her. They were still congratulating her on the beautiful skating exhibition earlier that day.
Delilah watched the priest from across the room. There was something vaguely familiar about her. She couldn’t put her finger on it. She joined Mika in the booth. “That was an incredible show of strength and agility this afternoon.” She smiled.
“Thank you. I did enjoy it.” Mika smiled back. “I have always enjoyed skating, and I am delighted that Richie has taken to it so quickly.”
“You know, Priest, I had the sheriff run a background check on you when you first arrived here,” Delilah told her. “I found you have impeccable credentials and are considered one of the real rising stars in the Catholic Church. It appears that you are even a personal friend of the Pope.”
Mika raised her eyebrows questioningly, wondering where this was going.
“So, my que
stion for you,” Delilah said as she leaned closer to the priest, “is why are you risking it all by cavorting with Leah Anthal?”
The priest’s eyes opened wide, but she answered calmly, “Delilah, I only have to answer to God for myself. But, if you need to know, I have found Mayor Anthal to be one of the few truly honest and straightforward people in this town. She isn’t judgmental or cruel. She runs this town justly, making decisions that benefit everyone, not just a few. She has befriended me and given me a vast amount of help and guidance in rebuilding the cathedral. She is an incredible mother and has done a remarkable job of raising her son. I think one only needs to look at Richie to know what a truly exceptional person Leah is. So, you see, I don’t think my relationship with the mayor is going to keep me out of heaven. Can you say the same about your relationship with her?”
Taken back by the priest’s answer, Delilah quickly excused himself and headed for the counter and another glass of wine.
Leah finally joined Mika, sidestepping a drunk Nick. “I saw you visiting with Delilah.” She flashed her best fake smile.
“You are such a phony.” Mika laughed. “You find Delilah a bit pretentious, don’t you?”
“Guilty as charged.” Leah shrugged.
“Mika, Mika, look what Emily got me!” An excited Richie burst into the diner and ran directly to Mika, holding a wiggling ball of fur.
“Whoa, good job, Sheriff.” The priest laughed. “It seems you have made a little boy extremely happy.”
“Let me see that dog.” Nick lunged toward Richie, grabbing for the puppy.
Mika quickly stood up, pushing Richie and the puppy behind her.
“Get out of my way,” snarled Nick. “He’s my kid. I’m his dad, and I won’t have him running to you. I don’t care if you are shagging the Wicked Queen.”
What in the world is this man talking about? Mika thought. She glanced behind her to make certain Richie was okay. Nick instantly swung his fist, blindsiding the priest. He cut a gash in Mika’s cheek, sending blood everywhere. He threw another punch. Expecting the second blow, the priest caught Nick’s arm midair and twisted it behind his back, shoving his face up against the wall away from Richie and Leah.
“I never have, nor will I ever, shag an evil anything,” the priest growled through clenched teeth, spitting out the word “shag” as if something filthy had found its way into her mouth. She intentionally shoved the drunk’s arm higher up his back, causing Nick agonizing pain.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Nick?” An angry sheriff moved quickly through the room of partyers and handcuffed her ex.
“My son ran to her with the puppy,” Nick slurred. “I’m his father. He should run to me.”
“Jeez.” Emily exhaled sharply. “This is Mika Cross, our new parish priest.”
Nick shook his head as if trying to focus his vision. He noticed the priest’s collar. “Oops, my bad,” he slurred as he passed out.
Leah was instantly blotting Mika’s cheek with a napkin she had soaked in the glass of ice water on the table.
Holding the cold compress on her cheek, Mika let the mayor move her toward the door as she mumbled something about stitches and doctors. Once she had Mika in the car, she inspected the wound. It was deep and would leave a scar. She used magic to heal the injury. When she removed the napkin, only a small cut remained. “So much blood for such a small cut,” she clicked her tongue.
The back door of the car swung open, and an angry Richie jumped into the car. “I am sorry, Mika,” the child began. “My Dad…he sometimes acts without thinking.”
“Don’t worry, Richie.” Mika smiled. “I am fine.”
Once they were in the mansion, Leah settled Mika on the sofa in the study while Richie brought her a glass of brandy.
“Hey,” she laughed at the solemn faces staring at her, “it’s all good. Let’s go back to the party. We’re not going to let some fellow with a little too much of the spirits in him ruin our Christmas party. Also, we have a puppy to bring home.”
“I do need to get my puppy!” Richie exclaimed.
Leah smiled. “Let me change clothes right quick. I just realized I am covered in blood.”
A lot of blood, thought Mika as she stood. “I’m just going to wash my hands,” she said as she headed for the powder room.
Mika examined her face in the bright lights of the mirror. Her cut was minuscule compared to the amount of blood she had lost.
Mika and Richie were talking in the study as Leah approached the room.
“…it is truly okay,” the priest reassured the boy. “Your dad loves you but has a lot of guilt issues to resolve.”
As if an afterthought, Mika asked Richie, “What did he mean by that sordid remark about a Wicked Queen?”
“Some people call my mom that,” Richie responded quickly. “You know she does run this town with an iron fist and some people consider her a real badass. They jokingly call her ‘Your Majesty’ and the ‘Wicked Queen.’”
“What a colorful description of me.” A veiled glance passed between mother and son as Leah entered the room.
She was even more beautiful than she had been earlier. She had donned a royal blue dress with a low neckline revealing just enough cleavage to make one want to see more, much more. The fitted skirt went down below her knees with a side slit that rose above her knee, again, revealing just enough of her thigh to make one thirsty
As they approached the diner, they realized the party had died down. Although the place was still full of people, the merrymaking that had begun earlier in the evening had diminished after Nick’s attack on Mika.
Mika threw open the door, and she and Richie yelled in unison, “We-e-e-e-e’re back.”
Ruth hooted and led the applause as the three entered the diner. Richie’s friends instantly engulfed the youngster and ran to their private booth, off limits to adults.
Leah smiled as she watched her son grinning from ear to ear, happy that the other children weren’t holding Nick’s outburst against him.
She instinctively clutched Mika’s arm as she led them toward their booth. She wondered when it had become “their booth,” realizing that no one else ever sat there.
She sat down as Ruth brought them eggnog. “So glad you two came back,” she giggled. “This party sort of fizzled out after you left. It’s good to have our power couple back.”
Mika whispered something in Ruth’s ear, and she grinned like a schoolgirl.
Leah reached across the table, taking her hands. “What? Am I not woman enough for you? You have to flirt with the waitresses too?” she teased.
The jukebox blared, and Mika led her to the small dance floor at the back of the diner. “I asked her to play our song,” she said.
The aching sounds of When a Woman Loves a Woman wailed into the night as Mika pulled her close against her, softly singing the words into her ear as they danced.
An upbeat song sprang from the jukebox. Its driving beat drew the young people to the floor. Leah and Mika made their way back to their booth.
The sheriff approached their booth to apologize for Nick’s actions. “Sometimes he just gets too much to drink, and it isn’t pretty,” she explained apologetically. “I just wanted to thank you, Priest, for being such a great role model for Richie.”
The record on the jukebox changed, and the rocking beat of ABBA’s Super Trooper filled the room. “I’m guessing you don’t do fast, right, Priest?” Emily grinned and held her hand out to Leah. “So this dance must be mine.”
Mika saw a look of abhorrence flit across Leah’s face as she hung her head.
“You guessed wrong,” Mika said, rising to capture Leah’s hand and lead her to the dance floor.
“Thank you,” Leah exhaled as Mika swept her into her arms and began to whirl her around to the beat of the music.
“My pleasure.” Mika smiled, swinging her away from her then pulling her back against her and holding her tightly as they moved in perfect synchronization around the
floor.
When they returned to their table, she asked Ruth for a marker and a large piece of paper. When Ruth brought the items to her, she folded the paper in half and made a tent sign on both sides that said, “Leah’s Dance Card Is Full.” She placed it in the center of the table so everyone could see it.
“That should solve that problem.” She grinned.
Leah laughed out loud, and it made Mika’s heart beat faster, pleased that she had made her happy. She wanted to write it in huge letters on the wall and the ceiling: “Leah’s Dance Card Is Full.”
“This town is obsessed with ABBA.” Leah smiled, pulling Mika from her vision of herself writing on the ceiling, Michelangelo style. “You will hear their songs a lot. Weddings, birthday parties, you name it—ABBA will be there.”
“Just so happens, I love ABBA.” Mika grinned, happy just to be with her. They could play Old McDonald Had a Farm for all she cared, just as long as Leah was by her side.
The Christmas party broke up around two in the morning as partygoers began to say good night and thank Ruth and Naomi for a great time.
After they had said their goodbyes, Mika carried a sleeping Richie to the car. ‘Oops, I forgot my purse.” Leah ran back to the diner. Once inside, she hugged Ruth and Naomi again, thanking them for the invitation. She looked around the diner at the mess guests had left for the two women to clean. With a flick of her wrist, everything was perfect and ready for business in the morning. The women thanked her profusely for her thoughtfulness and dragged their tired bodies to bed.
Mika opened the door on the driver’s side to let Leah in.
“I am going to the rectory,” she declared, and Leah knew Mika didn’t trust herself with her tonight.
Mika leaned in and kissed her softly. “We need to talk tomorrow about this…this…what we have between us.”
Leah smiled a slow, sad smile and simply nodded.
CHAPTER 5 - The Rules
Mika stood in the dark, looking out the second-floor window of the rectory. She had a clear view of the mansion from her bedroom. She saw the light was still on in Leah’s room. She saw her walk out onto the balcony, wearing a pair of silver-blue silk pajamas that reflected the moon in dancing iridescent colors. Leah leaned on the railing and looked toward the rectory. Mika was glad she had the lights out, otherwise Leah would have seen her watching. Shortly after Leah left her balcony, all the lights in the mansion went out.